Piriou wins contract for 16 next-generation tug-pushers for French Navy

French vessel builder Chantiers Piriou has won a contract to build 16 tugs derived from its civilian range for the French Navy.

The RP30NG pusher tugs each have a 30t bollard pull and are designed to operate 200nm from the coast for several days at a time. Their main tasks will be manoeuvring nuclear submarines and first-rank warships, but are also capable of fire-fighting and pollution response, marine surveillance and fisheries enforcement assistance missions.

Propulsion will be provided by two engines rated at 1,100kW each, driving a pair of aft azimuthing stern-drive (ASD) propulsors. The arrangement will provide the manoeuvrability required for close-quarters shiphandling, while the vessels will have a maximum speed of 11 knots.

Electrical power will be supplied by two generator sets, each rated at approximately 160kWe. The vessels will be operated by a crew of six.

Piriou says the contract has been secured thanks to its history of workboat design and build.

“Piriou is the last French builder of tugs with more than 30 tonnes of bollard pull,” said Piriou  president Vincent Faujour. “Following the delivery of four RP30/RPC30 harbour and coastal tugs to the Navy, and the construction of several dozen harbour tugs with bollard pull ratings of 30 to 75 tonnes for various private operators, this new order strengthens our position in the tug market, and we are delighted.

“It also demonstrates that mastering the design and construction of civilian vessels enables us to offer our armed forces a sovereign supply of vessels adapted to their specific operational needs.”

The company is also continuing work on the French Navy’s offshore patrol vessel programme at Concarneau.